Make-A-Wish Foundation
Taking a cue from the many families and children that enjoy this site, the 2007 donation went to an organization that has been making kids smile for years.
Getting it's start in 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has enriched the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work.
Since its humble beginnings, the organization has blossomed into a worldwide phenomenon, reaching more than 144,000 children around the world. The Foundation's mission reflects the life-changing impact that the wish-granting experience has on children, families, referral sources, donors, sponsors and entire communities.
The following is the letter Zombie Pumpkins received after submitting our donation:
Last year, the Make-A-Wish Foundation brought hope, strength and joy to 13,000 children with life-threatening medical conditions by granting their fondest wishes. We're able to accomplish this thanks to generous donors like you. Please accept my sincere gratitude for your recent gift to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America.
Your gift will help grant the wishes of children like 11-year-old Sam, a little league slugger who had to put his baseball career on hold when he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a cancer affecting the nervous system. Sam missed playing the sport he loved, but more than that, he missed his friends. He wished to have a baseball field in his back yard so he and his teammates could reunite on his field anytime he wanted.
An army of volunteers pitched in, building Sam's field of dreams and turning his backyard into a major league atmosphere. By opening day, his tiny town of 1,100 people was buzzing. A police-escorted limo delivered Sam to the to centerfield gate, where his 18 teammates and 400 fans greeted him with wild applause. Fans snacked on donated hotdogs, soda and popcorn and a local radio personality called the play-by-play, as Sam led his team to an 11-6 victory against a high school team that had eagerly volunteered to be Sam's friendly opponents.
At day's end, Sam's family shared their gratitude in a local media interview. "We have told everybody in the community that this is their field too, and we hope to see a lot of people out here using it. Sam is just so excited about all of this, and nothing would make him feel better."
On opening day of Sam's wish field, he got to forget about his illness, treatments and hospital visits. On this day, he got to just be a kid again. Thank you for giving kids like Sam this incredible gift and for helping us to share the power of a wish.
